Arches National Park

Arches National Park, in eastern Utah, is named after its spectacular red sandstone arches. There are more than 2,000 of these natural arches in the park, in addition to towers, mazes, and other massive rock formations.

Arches National Park is about 120 square miles (310 square kilometers) in area. It lies just north of Moab, Utah. The Colorado River forms part of its southeastern border. The land is high desert, with elevations between 4,000 and 5,600 feet (1,200 and 1,700 meters).

Arches’ unusual rock formations developed over millions of years. The park rests on a thick underground bed of salt, deposited by ancient seas more than 300 million years ago. Over time, layers of sandstone formed on top of the salt bed. The growing weight of the sandstone caused the salt bed to shift. As a result, some areas of stone were pushed up into dome shapes. Other areas collapsed or cracked. Water, ice, and wind then shaped the uneven sandstone into amazing shapes.

Grasses, scrub, cacti, and wildflowers grow in the park. There also are scattered forests of juniper and pine trees. Arches’ animals include jackrabbits, foxes, and mule deer. Several dozen desert bighorn sheep live in the park as well.

The red sandstone formations draw many visitors. Among the most popular sites are Delicate Arch, Devils Garden (including Landscape Arch), the Windows section (including the Balanced Rock and the Double Arch), and the Fiery Furnace. People may hike or camp in various parts of the park. Cars may stop at several scenic overlooks along the main road.

Humans first came to the Arches area about 10,000 years ago. Beginning about 2,000 years ago the Anasazi—ancestors of the Pueblo—and other Native Americans lived in the region. The Ute, a Native American tribe, carved pictures on rocks that can be seen today. Beginning in the 1800s Mormons, prospectors, ranchers, and farmers settled in the region.

In 1929 U.S. President Herbert Hoover declared Arches a national monument. Congress made it a national park in 1971. One of the park’s best-known arches, Wall Arch, collapsed in 2008.

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